Governor Tim Walz Signs Executive Order Banning Mining Near the Boundary Waters

(KNSI) — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order Tuesday banning nonferrous mineral mining activity in the Rainy River Headwaters Watershed, an area that feeds the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

The order directs the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to stop all permitting and environmental review for nonferrous mining projects in the watershed until a pending lawsuit is resolved. It also blocks the DNR from issuing new leases or permits there, and requires the agency to review existing leases in the area. The state will decline to serve as a cooperating agency on any federal review of a mining project in the watershed, and the DNR will draft legislation aimed at permanently banning nonferrous mining there.

Walz says the Boundary Waters holds deep statewide significance, calling it a resource he intends to protect for future generations.

The order comes after Congress voted to overturn a 20-year federal ban on mining in the BWCAW, a decision that reopened the door to copper and nickel mining proposals. Eighth District Congressman Pete Stauber led that effort. Critics say those proposals put the region’s wilderness, water and nearly $1 billion outdoor recreation economy at risk.

Save the Boundary Waters National Chair Becky Rom says the science shows copper mining and the wilderness area cannot safely coexist.

Not everyone supports the move. House GOP Floor Leader Harry Niska of Ramsey and Iron Range Representative Spencer Igo of Wabana Township, both Republicans, criticized the order. Niska says shutting down the industry months before Walz leaves office ignores the interests of Northern Minnesota. Igo argues that the state already has strong mining regulations and says the order prevents agencies from using them, calling the move harmful to communities that depend on mining.

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